FDA approves new drug for short bowel syndrome

By Alaric DeArment

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug to treat a condition that affects people who have had their intestines partially or completely removed, the agency said Friday.

The FDA announced the approval of NPS Pharmaceuticals' Gattex (teduglutide) for daily injection in adults with short bowel syndrome who need additional nutrition from intravenous feeding. SBS results from partial or complete surgical removal of the small or large intestine, which can lead to poor absorption of fluids and nutrients from food.

Gattex is the third drug for SBS to receive FDA approval. The agency approved Merck KGaA's Zorbitive (somatropin) in 2003 and Emmaus Medical's Nutrestore (glutamine) in 2004.